HELENA, Mont.: Bills that sought to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day were tabled in committee. Funding for two state positions dedicated to Native American communities were cut. The only Native American member of Montana’s human rights commission wasn’t retained.
This year’s state legislative session in Montana where Republicans hold at least a two-thirds majority in both Houses and have a GOP governor for the first time in 16 years has triggered concerns from some Native Americans and their allies who fear they are losing influence and representation.
Democratic Sen. Susan Webber of Browning said she sees discrimination and racism in the actions.
Legislators, including the Indian Caucus, make every attempt to be civil. However, its hard when the Indian people are attacked over and over, day after day,” she said.
Republicans pushed back against any suggestion of discrimination.
The insinuation that the Legislature is using legislation to discriminate against Native Americans,…